Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) by Diana Gabaldon

August 17, 2014

From goodreads: For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones … about a love that transcends the boundaries of time … and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his….

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart … in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising … and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves….

Review…

I read Outlander (#1) last year and I rated it 3 stars. With that being said, I enjoyed it, the writing was fabulous but I didn’t get the hype because I wasn’t in love with it and I wanted to be…

Part of the part problem was that I had recently read The Bronze Horseman trilogy before starting Diana Gabaldon’s book. If you know me, I’m obsessed with TBH series and they are epic books but someone said if you like that series you will love Outlander. I should have known better and waited a few more months before reading it. *shrugs*

When I found out that it was picked up for a series on Starz I thought…hmmmm, maybe I should give this series another shot. And shame on me but I never paid attention to the casting, I mean, have you seen Sam Heughan??? *fans self*

But I never did pick up the second book until two weeks ago when they aired the first episode for free on cable. I’ve been consumed by this book and haven’t been able to put it down. *whispers I’m on the third book*

“I talk to you as I talk to my own soul,” he said, turning me to face him. He reached up and cupped my cheek, fingers light on my temple. “And Sassenach,” he whispered, “Your face is my heart.”

The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars to Dragonfly in Amber is because the pacing felt a bit slow at times. The author clearly wants us to understand how the French court operates and the politics of that history, obviously the information is important but I didn’t find it always necessary which sounds a bit contradictory, I know.

Jamie and Claire have new connections, political connections that give them the ability to infiltrate the Jacobite circle but this story is so much more than that. It’s about Claire in 1968 and trying to put the pieces of history together, it’s about loss, it’s about Claire finally being able to be honest with her daughter and it’s about finding out what happened to Jamie and Claire. The stress I experienced while I read this book gave me heartburn.

Beautifully written, I was lost in a story that was all about Jamie and Claire. If I enjoyed many of the characters in the first book, I was all sorts of thrilled to be re-acquainted with Murtagh who was Mr. Moody half the time but that’s what made him so endearing. But new characters were also introduced and my absolute favorite was the French orphan boy. And guess where they found him??? You’ll never guess because to tell you would be to take away from the beauty of the story. *dreamy sigh*

“Blood of my Blood,” he whispered, “and bone of my bone. You carry me within ye, Claire, and ye canna leave me now, no matter what happens, You are mine, always, if ye will it or no, if ye want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let ye go.”

Not only do I feel a bit smarter after reading this book but it’s safe to say I’m obsessed like everyone else.

Comments

So glad you’re enjoying this series!! I’ve only read the 1st one but plan to read the 2nd soon. I loved the 1st episode & want to see the rest but I don’t have Starz!! Anyway, awesome review!!!Tricia recently posted…Weekly Question: Do You Read More While On Vacation?

I totally am Tricia! I didn’t have Starz either but I ordered it just to watch the show. I got hooked with the first free episode and I love anything free. I’m also officially in love with Sam Heughan. *dreamy sigh*

When I found out this was going to be a TV series, I told to myself that perhaps it’s time to read this gigantic book (800+ pages? WHAT THE WHAT?! That’s like a fantasy already!) and I started reading Outlander but yes, it can be so slow Faye @ The Social Potato recently posted…Faye Reads 50 Shades of Grey ~ Chapter 2 ~

Sam Heughan is HAWT! Oh my god…I don’t know what it is about him but I think it’s the accent combined with the kilt! And yes, the books are super long and you definitely have to be in the mood for it. It was unfortunate that I read the first book right after The Bronze Horseman last year. I would have re-read the first book but luckily my friend just read it and was able to answer plot questions for me. Keep in mind that if you do read it…it’s heavy on the historical fiction aspect. Sorry for the long response but if you don’t read it, the show is FABULOUS! ♥♥♥

I actually hadn’t heard ANYTHING about this series unit last week or so when all the talk on the tv show started on twitter. Now I’m intrigued by this story and although i am intemdated by the size of the books i’m thinking I may start off watching the show and seeing how that goes before reading the books! Great review Cristina lily recently posted…Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy#1):Review

Thanks Lily! It’s totally worth reading even if the size of the book can be a bit daunting but this is a series that you have to be in the mood for. Last year when I read the first one, I should have held off because I know I would have enjoyed it much more. Right now I’m on book three and loving it! Definitely watch the show because it’s so good and what’s not to love about seeing Sam Heughan in a kilt? *swoon*

The Bronze Horseman is epic and the final book in the series is good even though it can be viewed as somewhat OTT. Regardless, I still love it. But this series is rockin’ my world for sure. ♥ I love epic tales and if you get to watch the show…I hope you enjoy it because it’s so good!

Alright, fine. I’m convinced. I’ll give the series another shot. I have the first three books anyway. BUT . . . still not watching the show until I can binge, LOL. I know my limits Fabulous review, Cristina! Thanks for adding to my already ridiculous TBR. *snickers*Jessica @ Rabid Reads recently posted…Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Thanks Jessica! ♥ I wish I could binge-watch Outlander but I don’t have the patience. I think the second book is way better and don’t even get me started on the third book because it just keeps getting better and better.